ARTHROSCOPIC REPAIR OF PARTIAL-THICKNESS ROTATOR CUFF TEARS AND SLAP LESIONS IN PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

Internal impingement is a primary cause of shoulder pain in throwers; however, instability, internal rotation deficit, scapula muscle dysfunction, and core muscle dysfunction are also important elements of the internal impingement process. Articular surface rotator cuff tears, posterior superior labrum tears, SLAP lesions, anterior capsular ligament attenuation, and posterior capsular ligament contracture are commonly seen in throwers. Each of these conditions must be recognized and appropriately treated to ensure the best possible outcome. There is little potential for spontaneous healing of rotator cuff tears and SLAP lesions after debridement.